YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY

By DAVID BROWN

Sometimes, people need written verification of their benefit status or income amount from Social Security. Perhaps you're ready to make a major purchase and you're negotiating a loan from a bank or financial institution. Or maybe you're applying for state benefits or moving into a new apartment or home.

Mr. Brown is District Manager of the Social Security Administration's Downtown New York Office.

Whatever your reason, Social Security makes it easy for you to get the written verification you need - and you can do it online at www.socialsecurity.gov. Just look in the left column under "What you can do online" and select the "Request a Proof of Income letter" link.

The "Proof of Income" letter is sometimes called a "budget letter," a "benefits letter" or a "proof of award letter." The letter can be used as proof of your income not just for a loan, but for any third party that requires proof of your income.

In addition to offering proof of your income, the letter is also an official document that verifies your Medicare and health insurance coverage, retirement status, disability status and age.

From the time that you complete the on-line request, it will take about 10 days for you to receive the proof of income letter in the mail. If you need one sooner, you'll want to call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit your local Social Security office.

But for many people, simply requesting the letter on-line and waiting for it to arrive in the mail is the most convenient way to get the proof you need.